Antananarivo
When staying in Madagascar, it’s normal for some travelers to take a while to appreciate Antananarivo. This city may initially seem unremarkable, but it takes getting to know it to see its true character: a historic city with 12 sacred hills, charming museums, entertainment spots, and locals who love to celebrate and enjoy outings with friends and family…
Historical monuments of Antananarivo
The Twelve Sacred Hills of Imerina
At the end of the 18th century, to unite the kingdoms of Imerina, Andrianampoinimerina consecrated 12 hills (12 being a sacred number) and married 12 women from rival villages, each representing his authority over a sacred hill. These fortified villages were surrounded by hady (deep ditches), equipped with heavy stone gates, rova (royal residences), and princely tombs. They include :
- Ampandrana (site of the Iavoloha Palace)
- Imerimanjaka
- Alasora
- Ambohitrabiby
- Analamanga
- Antsahadinta
- Ambohimanga
- Ambohidratrimo
- Ilafy
- Kaloy
- Atongona
- Ambohimanambola (also known as the Hill of Treasures)
The Queen’s Palace
The Queen’s Palace is undoubtedly Antananarivo's most iconic site, even though its main structure has not been fully restored since the fire in November 1995. Perched on the highest hill in the city, it offers a unique visit. The four palaces made of precious wood, the temple, and royal tombs are well-preserved, and the panoramic view over the city is simply breathtaking! This former residence of the kings and queens of Madagascar was built in wood in 1837 by Jean Laborde under Queen Ranavalona I, then covered with stone in 1867 by James Cameron under Queen Ranavalona II.
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
The sacred hill of Ambohimanga served as the starting point for Andrianampoinimerina’s conquests. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Imerina's most treasured heritage. This fortified compound features a traditional wall and includes the one-room house of Andrianampoinimerina, along with two one-story wooden pavilions. The small house of the great king is still furnished with its original belongings (beds, spears, ladles, etc.), and the pavilions remain furnished as well. Through a visit, one can discover how the kings, queens, and dignitaries lived and celebrated important events.
Museums of Antananarivo
The Paleontology Museum at the Tsimbazaza Botanical Park
Tsimbazaza Zoological Park is home to a zoo with an arboretum, a paleontology museum, and an ethnology museum. In addition to showcasing Madagascar’s fauna and flora, the park also displays dinosaur fossils, including a vertebral column and bones. The main attraction is undoubtedly the full skeleton of an elephant bird, standing 3 meters high. In its lifetime, this bird weighed about 500 kg!
The Pirate Museum
The Pirate Museum is one of the most unique places, located on the 4th floor of a building in the Tsaralalana district. The Swiss ethnologist Franz Stadelmann, who owns the museum, reveals to the public the origin, rules, and evolution of piracy through twenty displays. “Legends” are told here, including that of Libertalia, the first pirate ship to shipwreck on the island in 1500. In addition to clues gathered from the coasts of Sainte-Marie Island, historical evidence of the presence of pirates in Madagascar is collected here. Visitors can also admire model ships and treasure chests!
The photography museum of Madagascar
The Photography Museum of Madagascar opened in February 2018 in Anjoy, a district in the Upper Town. Available online since 2013, this museum took physical form in a 19th-century building typical of Antananarivo. Visitors can explore Madagascar’s history in 4 screening rooms and two exhibition spaces (a large hall and the garden). The museum also has a relaxation and dining area: The Café du Musée.
Outing spots in the capital
The markets of Antananarivo
It’s impossible to talk about Antananarivo without mentioning the legendary Zoma market in Analakely. Since the time of royalty, everything has been sold here: fruits, vegetables, meats, various food products, utensils, baskets, hats, clothes, fabrics, etc. Those who have read Emile Ranarivelo’s story in the novel *Le Panama Malgache* will realize that some things haven’t changed since the 19th century. For Malagasy handicrafts, several markets are recommended, especially those in Andravohangy and along the Digue road.
Dining and going out in Antananarivo
Antananarivo has no shortage of good restaurants, with specialties from Malagasy, Chinese, French, Thai, Korean cuisines, and more. Most major hotels have good restaurants, but there’s a wide range to choose from. The most popular districts for restaurants and lounge bars are Analakely, Soarano, and Isoraka.
